Church History

First Congregational Church of Auburn was started as an organization of nine or ten members in 1880.

1880-1900

We purchased a lot in 1880 on corner of High and Broad Street.
Construction was started in 1881, with the help of an interest free loan from the American Missionary Association. The American Missionary Association (founded in 1846) was an important organization in bringing about the abolition of slavery and helping Chinese immigrants.
Our first service was held June 17, 1883 with Rev. Spaulding Witter officiating.
In 1883 a 500 pound bell was purchased for $150 and placed in the church steeple.
The first church organ was also purchased in 1883
W.B. Winn was minister from 1884 to 1885
Charles L. Corwin was the minister from 1886 to 1888

House on Rt Dr ward then Mable Powers restaurant then torn down 1906 11.jpg

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Did you miss our 150th Celebration? Visit our History page for pictures and a link to a video of the event!

1900-1920

H.D. Ward was minister from 1905 to 1907
Oliver J. Van Wagnen was minister from 1907 to 1909
A guild hall was added to the church in 1908 on High and Broad Street
Seneca Jones was minister from 1909 to 1911
We had no minister from 1911 to 1912
Dr. Henry G. Miller was minister from 1912 to 1914
G.H. De kay was minister from 1914 to 1915
Grant l. Schaeffer was minister from 1915 to 1928. He was the longest serving minister at that time.
In 1918 the first church choir was organized.
In 1920 the first parsonage was purchased for $1,500 on the south west corner of Finley and High Streets.

1920's

William Edgar Eckles was minister from 1928 to 1929
We had no minister from 1929 to 1930

1930's

March 1930 the church mortgage was burned.
William Edgar Eckles was minister again from 1930 to 1932
Richard N. England was minister from 1932 to 1936.
H.J. Loken was minister from 1936 to 1939
Hammond organ purchased for $1,500 in 1937

1940's

In 1940 some adolescent boys who were playing in the church attic directly over the pulpit. When one of the boys lost his footing it resulted in a gaping hole in the ceiling revealing broken lath and plaster for several Sundays.
Stewart E. Locke was minister from 1939 to 1942
We had no minister during the year 1942
Dr. Lucius Reed was minister from 1942 to 1948
William F. Keeney was minister from 1949 to 1953
Large wooden cross in Sanctuary built by Rev. William F. Keeney in 1951

The parsonage on Finley Street was converted to Sunday School classrooms.
Stephen C. Peabody was minister from 1953 to 1955
Peter C. Jansen was minister from 1956 to 1958
In 1958 the church purchased 10 acres form Ludwig Dairy off of Auburn Ravine Road. The estimated cost of the 10 acres was $18,000.
The church needed a bridge at the bottom of the hill to have access to the 10 acres.
Earl A. Lawrence was minister from 1959 to 1967

1950's

1960's

The church property on High Street and Broad Street was sold for $35,000 to Pauley Stations, Inc. of Los Angeles. They plan to build a gasoline station.
In 1961 we moved out of the church on High and Broad Streets to temporary location at the 7th Day Adventist Church.
The old church was demolished in 1961
February 1962 was the ground breaking for the new sanctuary, office and classrooms.
The steeple was raised in June 1962.
We moved into the church in June 1962 with our first worship service being held December 2, 1962.
On February 10, 1963, the church held a dedication of the sanctuary.
In 1964 the pews were installed in the Sanctuary. The majority of the pews were donated by the people. Plaques were attached to reflect donations.
In 1965 Don Whitehead became the choir director.
Dr. Ron W. Westerman was minister from 1967 to 1977

Bell Tower was constructed in 1965 in memory of Donald Huntley, JR. Upon completion
of four years at the University of Davis, Donald Jr. became a pilot in the U.S. Navy at
the time of the Vietnam War. During a night, landing exercise on a carrier off the coast
of San Diego, Donald’s plane successfully landed on the carrier. The plane caught the
tail hook, and Donald signaled the deck crew for the release. For some unknown reason
the plane disconnected and went over the side of the ship. The plane was lost at sea.
Ensign Donald Huntley’s body was never found. Donald’s father with the help of Donald
Jr.’s grandfather, Bill Paczoch, designed and constructed the bell tower in 1965 in
memory of Donald Jr.

Overmiller Hall was named after Dr. Wilbur C. Overmiller, who lived and practiced in
Auburn from 1948 until he died in 1977. 1983 Overmiller Hall added new kitchen,
Fireside Room and Classrooms with expandable walls into the main hall. The building
was paid for.
With the large contribution from the Overmiller family, the church was able to raise the
remaining amount of money needed for construction of the hall without ever having to
take out a loan

1970's

1973 Church donates 5 acres of land to meet the requirements of the building Auburn
Ravine Terrace

1974 the old 500 lb bell is installed in the center garden
1974 Rogers organ purchased for $13,500

May 4, 1975 was also the Burning of the mortgage.
1976 Electric switch installed to operate the bell.
1977 35% of the congregation is over the age of 60 years old
Steven Frank was Associate Minister from 1976 to 1977
Thomas C. Dick was Interim Minister in 1978
Reverend Dick suggested that a Memorial Garden might be established here a the First
Congregational church in Auburn.

Dr. Joe M. Sandven was minister from 1978 to 1989

1980's

Jackie L. Kortright was Associate minister from 1984 to 1992

Barooshian chapel was built in 1984, All the proceeds to build this chapel were providedby Stephen Martin Barooshian, Sr., church member

2000s

Tom Nadelin was interim minister from 2000 to 2003
Rick Kuykendall was minister from 2003 to 2010
Overmiller Kitchen was remodeled in 2004.

2020 to today!

1990's

J. Curtis Anderson was minister from 1994 to 2000
The Raoul Beland Rock Garden was dedicated the day before Easter 1995.

2010s

Jackie Brown was interim minister from 2010 to 2012.
Dan Spacek became our minister in March 2012
Charlotte Asher was interim (sabbatical) minister in 2018 and 2024